A biologist says a common spice could be a useful addition to your diet to protect your brain. Turmeric is a plant that originates from Eastern India. It belongs to the ginger family and is used primarily as a spice for its flavour and aroma, as well as as a colouring agent.
It can be found in powder form, known for its strong orange colour, as fresh root, or even in capsules. Its underground stem has been used for many years in traditional medicine in Asia. In many countries on the continent, it is considered to help treat certain conditions.
Turmeric is believed to offer numerous benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. Additionally, it supports proper liver function, reduces the risk of developing heart diseases, and improves gut health and digestion.
However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) does not recognise the properties attributed to it and suggests consuming it in moderation, reports ABC. The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan), on the other hand, notes that this substance hinders proper iron absorption and may cause “adverse effects”.
You might then question whether turmeric is truly as beneficial as believed over the years. What impact does it have on the body? And on the brain?
Turmeric is a spice containing a compound called curcumin, which has been the subject of many studies due to its potential health benefits. Biologist Juan Manuel Fonseca Guerrero explains how the plant affects the body. “In the nervous system, it has been discovered that it can protect brain cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the brain.”
The expert claims that its properties could prevent and treat “neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s”. Furthermore, the biologist mentions that some animal studies have found that “curcumin can improve memory and cognitive function”.
However, Fonseca warns that more research is needed. “Although turmeric is considered a safe spice, caution should be exercised and a professional consulted before taking supplements or making significant dietary changes,” he concludes.